AD Ports Group signs MoU to explore collaboration in transport and logistics infrastructure in Azerbaijan

AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding (AZCON Holding) to explore strategic collaboration across ports, shipping, logistics, and digital trade solutions in Azerbaijan.



The MoU establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between the parties to explore investment opportunities and advance collaboration in integrated transport and logistics infrastructure, including maritime and digital solutions in Azerbaijan.



Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO - AD Ports Group, said: “Our MoU with AZCON Holding marks a further step in advancing AD Ports Group’s corridor-focused strategy, strengthening trade links between Central Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan’s pivotal position bridging East and West offers strong opportunities, we look forward to leveraging our integrated capabilities across ports, maritime, logistics, and digital solutions to enable more efficient, connected, and commercially attractive trade routes.”



This collaboration comes as the UAE-Azerbaijan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) officially entered into force on 15 April 2026. The agreement will accelerate bilateral trade flows, create new opportunities for investments and joint-ventures, and enhance market access and global reach for exporters in both countries by eliminating or reducing tariffs on the majority of goods and services, in addition to enhancing private-sector collaboration and empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs.



The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade with Azerbaijan has already demonstrated robust growth, underscoring the strength and resilience of this bilateral relationship. Non-oil trade grew by 31.4% over the past two years to exceed $2.2 billion in 2025.



This collaboration also aligns with Azerbaijan’s improving economic outlook. According to Fitch Solutions’ BMI, real GDP growth is forecast to reach 2.5% in 2026, up from an estimated 1.4% in 2025, with improved domestic demand, investment activity and trade expected to support the recovery, reinforcing the importance of initiatives that enhance connectivity, trade facilitation and logistics efficiency.



The MoU complements AD Ports Group’s broader focus on Central Asia, where the Group is investing in logistics, port terminals, and shipping assets to strengthen connectivity along the Middle Corridor and support the movement of trade between Asia and Europe.